Driver Arrested for DUI After Slumping Behind Wheel of Self-Driving Car
A driver in Northern California was taken into custody on DUI charges after being found slumped and unconscious in a self-driving vehicle while it continued to navigate a busy roadway.
This unsettling incident took place shortly after 11 a.m. on Wednesday in Vacaville, located about 55 miles southwest of Sacramento. Concerned residents called 911, noting that the driver seemed not to be awake, according to the Vacaville Police Department.
As it turns out, the car was still actively driving in traffic, which posed a significant risk to other motorists. The caller remained on the line, providing updates that assisted law enforcement in locating and safely stopping the vehicle at the intersection of Elmira Road and Shasta Drive.
A photograph shared by police depicted the driver reclining in the driver’s seat, seemingly asleep, while the vehicle was stationary in traffic.
What officers discovered inside the car raised immediate concerns. Open wine boxes, unfinished bottles, and take-out food were visible throughout the passenger area, along with various other items scattered inside.
After an investigation, authorities determined that the driver was under the influence of both alcohol and marijuana. Consequently, he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
The Vacaville Police Department’s release of images from the scene drew considerable reactions on social media, with many praising the quick actions of both the concerned callers and the responders for averting what could have been a serious accident.
“His car had more situational awareness than him at that time,” one commenter noted, while others expressed gratitude that no one was harmed and commended the efforts that led to getting this driver off the road.
The department emphasized that although many newer vehicles have advanced driver assistance technologies, they cannot replace the need for a vigilant and responsible driver. They also acknowledged that the prompt thinking of the caller played a crucial role in preventing a potential disaster.
